[Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide for Persistent Diabetic Macular Edema after Vitrectomy]

To determine whether intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) is effective in resolving edema in eyes with persistent diabetic macular edema (DME) after vitrectomy.

Sixteen eyes of 16 patients were given 4 mg IVTA after vitrectomy for DME. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and average threshold (AT) of the central retina were determined during the 24 weeks follow-up period. Patients were divided into two groups; early treatment group and late treatment group.

The BCVA was significantly improved at 12 weeks, the CMT was significantly improved at 24 weeks, and the AT was significantly improved at 4 weeks after IVTA (repeated ANOVA, p < 0.05). The BCVA was more significantly improved in the early treatment group than in the late treatment group at 4 and 12 weeks (unpaired t test, p < 0.05).

Our results indicate that IVTA should be considered as treatment for patients with persistent DME after vitrectomy, especially with early treatment patients.